A stroll around the grounds was my quiet way of saying goodbye to the only home I'd ever known. Blackhill Manor was more than a home; it was my grandpa's gift to me.
A grand estate nestled between coal-dark hills that local tales said evolved from volcanic eruptions that nearly wiped out Oakmore. While the townsfolk struggled to get their life back together, grandpa Wolfe Marsh, who was passing through as a young man, stayed to help. He made Oakmore his home, married the mayor's daughter and built Blackhill Manor.
Whenever the sun was setting, the hills would quickly absorb the fading light, throwing the manor into darkness. That was when my brother, Rex, and I played hide and seek as children. The shadowy silhouettes seemed alive and made the game scary and more fun.
I sighed in deep regret. Those fun days when Rex and I had no care in the world were gone. My once loving brother was gone. In his place was a resentful, bitter man conspiring with my husband, Arthur, to kill me.
Blackhill Manor should have been Rex's by inheritance but grandpa changed his mind for reasons I would never know. This decision tore us apart. It was then I realised I had no brother.
Late that night, I woke up thirsty and my water jug was not by my bedside. My maid, Rita, was nowhere to be found. It was almost midnight when I stumbled downstairs towards Arthur's private study.
The door was wide open and the room reeked of cigar smoke. The sight of my husband and brother chuckling and clinking glasses of scotch like they'd just closed a great deal got my attention.
I leaned back into the shadows, listening. My migraine chose that moment to return with vengeance. I squinted my eyes and gritted my teeth against the stabbing pain.
“The pills usually knock her out for the whole night but tomorrow, I'll double them,” Arthur stated with confidence. “Her maid will watch over her.”
Rex scoffed, his lips curled in distaste as his cigar smoldered close to his fingers. “I couldn't care less except it would be a hassle explaining to the whole of Oakmore how she suddenly kicked the bucket. Ugh.”
“Only a matter of a week or two and she will go quietly. Then the manor becomes ours.”
“Your man mustn't fail us.”
Arthur smirked. “Trust me, he's ready to pay now if we are.”
I couldn't stand to hear anymore so I shuffled back upstairs only to run smack into Rita and Jim, the butler, coming out of one of the bedrooms. Their flushed expressions and dishevelled clothes told me everything I needed to know.
I nearly passed out from the sight and implication of what they'd been up to. I'd known the butler for most of my life and he was married with grandchildren! Rita was married too.
“My lady, please…” he stammered but I raised my hand to silence him and walked into my room. My brain was in chaos but somehow, I was able to think through the pain in my head and heart.
I let Rita put me to bed like nothing had happened. She appeared relieved.
Should I let Rex and Arthur get away with their heinous plan? The cold breeze sank into my bones during my stroll, fortifying my resolve. I strode back into the Manor.
Disregard my first statement—it was borne out of self pity. Grandpa would be appalled that I considered giving up. My illness nearly broke me but it was clear Rex and Arthur were behind it. Blackhill Manor was given to me out of love. I won't let go of grandpa's legacy.
“My lady, your meds are ready,” Rita announced after helping me into my pyjamas and braiding my hair into a loose ponytail.
“Arthur gave them to you?”
Her eyes widened for a second. “Yes, my lady. He sorts them just like the doctor instructed.”
“Good.” I threw the pills into the wastebasket. “Do you value your job, Rita?”
A shadow of sadness crossed her face. She dropped on her knees and grabbed my hands. “The suspense was killing me all day…after what you saw…please, I don't want to lose this job, my lady.”
I withdrew my hands from her grasp. “Then you'll do exactly as I say?”
“Yes, my lady. Anything you say.”
I directed her to report back to Arthur that I had taken the medications. I thought Rex and Arthur were hateful but it appeared I must become like them to beat them.
My plans were taking shape. It was time to take them down.
I hope you enjoyed reading this short piece. It's inspired by the Freewrite #dailyprompt word “stroll around the grounds.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Image created using leonardo.ai
Posted Using InLeo Alpha